Central to the 2028 Strategy is a commitment to working with young people to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. We recognize that young people are well equipped to lead and contribute meaningfully to decision-making and programming, which best equips IPPF to achieve its mandate. Young people are not only impacted by global inequalities but are also on the frontline of creating innovative solutions to achieve gender equality. This page brings together young people across the Federation and member associations with the hope to center intergenerational partnerships and dialogues and meaningful and inclusive youth engagement and participation.
It also takes on the form of an online information portal that features youth-led knowledge products, resources on strengthening youth partnership and decision-making, and highlights from our regional youth networks.
✨Our goal✨
By 2030, young people are projected to account for almost 57% of the global population, further increasing their role in shaping a world that ensures sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice (SRHRJ).
This page serves as a tool to strengthen youth leadership both within and outside the federation by sharing information, providing opportunities for collaboration, networking, and prompting young people to tap into their strengths and passions to create change within their societies. Above all, this space seeks to provide young people with an inclusive, safe and brave space where they can have access to age-appropriate, context-specific, and accurate SRHRJ information and services.
📚Resources
From global to local knowledge products, this space highlights emerging resources on SRHR topics and meaningful youth engagement to strengthen intergenerational partnerships, programme delivery and advocacy.
✍Blogs
Young SRHR advocates have a lot to say with the expertise to match. The Youth Connect Blog amplifies the voices of young people from across the regional youth networks, showcasing their perspectives on various SRHR issues.
🔥Opportunities
This page connects members of regional youth networks to a range of opportunities from project and programme funding to advocacy spaces.
🌏Youth Network Officers and Youth Networks🌎
IPPF’s Regional Youth Networks are made up of young volunteers and representatives from member associations and collaborative partners. Youth Networks are vibrant hubs that bring together young SRHR activists and advocates working on a common goal to achieve sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Each regional youth network is supported by a Youth Network Officer based out of each regional office.
Americas & The Caribbean
Ela Uriquijo, Youth Network Officer, IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Regional Office (ACRO)
Ela provides accompaniment to the IPPF ACRO Youth Network. The IPPF ACRO Youth Network is a space for creation and fun where young volunteers across Latin America and the Caribbean from member associations and collaborative partners meet to brainstorm and strategise on ways to advocate for sexual and reproductive rights from a youth perspective. Young volunteers from within the network proudly stand as part of the change towards a pro- human rights Americas and the Caribbean.
The Arab World
Mohamed Amine Melouch, Youth Network Officer, IPPF Arab World Regional Office (AWRO)
Mohamed provides accompaniment to the Global Youth Network for the Arab World Region. This network is a vibrant and diverse community encompassing young people from 12 Member Associations. Within this network sits the Arab World Regional Youth Network (AWRYN), powerful platform for youth leadership and collaboration, ensuring that young voices are at the forefront of decision-making and advocacy efforts. Both groups include passionate youth board members, dedicated volunteers, and committed activists, all united in their mission to drive positive change across the region. Together, this network highlights the brilliance and diversity of young people, working to create a brighter and more inclusive future.
Africa Region
Ian N. Makamara, Youth Network Officer, IPPF Africa Regional Office (ARO)
Ian Makamara is the regional Youth Network Officer for the Africa Office at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). He plays a vital role in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the continent. The Youth Action Movement (YAM) in Africa consists of vibrant and passionate volunteers from IPPF’s 40 member associations. The YAM provides essential support to IPPF and the wider SRHR community on the integration of youth perspectives into core organizational functions like anti-racism, innovation, service delivery, humanitarian support and advocacy. In doing so, the YAM ensures the active engagement and empowerment of young advocates in advancing SRHR initiatives across Africa.
